Abstract

This seminar describes the power and potential of space technology and its geopolitical implications in shaping global dynamics. The space economy, valued at $546 billion in 2022, underscores its significant role in driving innovation and development. From the space race during the Cold War to recent milestones like private venture’s lunar landing, space exploration has evolved, with international collaboration and competition shaping the landscape. China’s emergence as a global leader in space exploration, evidenced by its extensive missions and international partnerships, presents geopolitical challenges, particularly concerning its military space capabilities. Conversely, the establishment of the United States Space Force and its focus on military space activities highlights the strategic importance of space in national defense. Challenges such as space debris and normative behaviors underscore the need for responsible space exploration and cooperation.

About the Speaker

Dr. Cung Vu is a chemical engineer with over 40 years of experience in industries, academia and government. He retired from the US government in 2015. Dr. Vu is currently an independent consultant, focusing on Science and Technology (S&T) in National Security, Emerging Technologies, and Renewable Energy in the Asia-Pacific region. He is a Visiting Senior Fellow, Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and a consultant for the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, University of Hawaii.

Prior to his retirement, Dr. Vu served as Associate Director at the Office of Naval Research Global in Singapore. He acted as a technical broker linking the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Naval Research Enterprise with the international scientific community.

Previously, Dr. Vu served as Chief Science and Technology Advisor at the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office (NMIO) where he advised the Director of NMIO on the implications of emerging technologies in the maritime domain. He was Senior Program Officer, Board of Manufacturing and Engineering Design and National Materials Advisory Board of the National Academies. He conducted studies, defined technical issues, proposed solutions, and identified research opportunities over a wide range of manufacturing, engineering design, materials, and processing topics for government, industries, and academia. Dr. Vu spent more than 20 years in the private sector working in the chemical and material industries.

He received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Monash University, Australia and his B.S. in Chemical Engineering with Honors from University of Sydney, Australia.